Optical unit with shake correction function

ABSTRACT

An optical unit with a shake correction function includes a movable body, a gimbal mechanism, a fixed body and a magnetic drive mechanism. The gimbal mechanism includes a gimbal frame, a first connection mechanism turnably connecting the movable body with the gimbal frame around a first axis, and a second connection mechanism turnably connecting the fixed body with the gimbal frame around a second axis. The first connection mechanism includes a first spherical body, a first spherical body fixing part to which the first spherical body is fixed in one of the movable body and the gimbal frame and, in the other, a first spherical body support part having a first concave curved face which faces the first spherical body fixing part and contacts with the first spherical body, and the first spherical body fixing part has a first fixing hole to which the first spherical body is partly fitted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toJapanese Application No. 2019-062236 filed on Mar. 28, 2019, and theentire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an optical unit with a shakecorrection function structured to perform a shake correction of anoptical module.

BACKGROUND

An optical unit which is mounted on a portable terminal or a movementbody may include a mechanism structured to swing or turn a movable bodyon which an optical module is mounted around a predetermined axis tocorrect a shake in order to restrain disturbance of a photographed imageof the portable terminal or when the movement body is moved. Such anoptical unit with a shake correction function is disclosed in JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2014-006522 (Patent Literature 1).

The optical unit with a shake correction function described in PatentLiterature 1 includes a gimbal mechanism structured to swingably supporta movable body around a predetermined axis. The gimbal mechanismincludes a gimbal frame (movable frame) in a rectangular frame shape anda connection mechanism structured to turnably connect the gimbal framewith the movable body around the axis. The connection mechanism includesspherical bodies, spherical body fixing parts to each of which thespherical body is fixed, and spherical body support parts each of whichis provided with a hemispherical shaped recessed part with which thespherical body is contacted. The spherical body fixing parts are innerside faces of a pair of corner parts of the gimbal frame which face eachother in a predetermined axial line direction. The spherical body isfixed to the inner side face of each corner part by welding. Thespherical body support part is provided at two positions of the movablebody which face each spherical body fixing part in a predetermined axialline direction.

In order to reduce a size of an optical unit with a correction function,the size of the connection mechanism is required to be made small.However, when a size of the spherical body is made small for reducing asize of the connection mechanism, it is difficult to fix the sphericalbody in a positioned state on an inner side of a corner part of thegimbal frame. If the spherical body is not positioned, it is difficultto support the movable body by the gimbal frame with a high degree ofaccuracy.

The present disclosure provides an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction in which, when a gimbal frame and a movable body are to beturnably connected with each other by using a spherical body, thespherical body is capable of being positioned and fixed with a highdegree of accuracy.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction including a movable body having an optical module, a gimbalmechanism structured to swingably support the movable body around afirst axis intersecting an optical axis and swingably support themovable body around a second axis intersecting the optical axis and thefirst axis, a fixed body which supports the movable body through thegimbal mechanism, and a magnetic drive mechanism structured to swing themovable body around the first axis and around the second axis. Thegimbal mechanism includes a gimbal frame, a first connection mechanismstructured to turnably connect the movable body with the gimbal framearound the first axis, and a second connection mechanism structured toturnably connect the fixed body with the gimbal frame around the secondaxis. The first connection mechanism includes a first spherical body, afirst spherical body fixing part to which the first spherical body isfixed in one of the movable body and the gimbal frame, and a firstspherical body support part having a first concave curved face whichfaces the first spherical body fixing part and contacts with the firstspherical body in the other of the movable body and the gimbal frame,and the first spherical body fixing part is provided with a first fixinghole to which the first spherical body is partly fitted.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of example, variousfeatures of embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary,not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in severalFigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an outward perspective view showing an optical unit with ashake correction function in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical unit with ashake correction function in FIG. 1 which is viewed from one side in anoptical axis direction.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical unit with ashake correction function in FIG. 1 which is viewed from the other sidein the optical axis direction.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction in which a cover is detached.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the optical unit with ashake correction function in FIG. 1 (partial cross-sectional view at the“A-A” position in FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal frame, firstthrust receiving members and second thrust receiving members.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a holder frame which is viewed fromone side in an optical axis direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an outer frame part of a case whichis viewed from one side in an optical axis direction.

(a) and (b) of FIG. 9 are perspective views showing a first thrustreceiving member and a second thrust receiving member.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a first thrust receivingmember and a second thrust receiving member.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connection mechanismwhich is cut along a first axis “R1”.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a first connection mechanism anda second connection mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of an optical unit 1 with a shake correction function towhich the present disclosure is applied will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification,three axes of “X”, “Y” and “Z” are axial line directions perpendicularto each other, and one side in the “X”-axis direction is indicated with“+X” and the other side is indicated with “−X”, one side in the “Y”-axisdirection is indicated with “+Y”, the other side is indicated with “−Y”,and one side in the “Z”-axis direction is indicated with “+Z” and theother side is indicated with “−Z”. The “Z”-axis direction is coincidedwith an optical axis “L” direction of an optical module 2. Further, the“+Z” direction is one side (object side) in the optical axis “L”direction and the “−Z” direction is the other side (image side) in theoptical axis “L” direction.

(Entire Structure)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the opticalunit 1 with a shake correction function in FIG. 1 which is viewed fromone side (from “+Z” direction) in an optical axis “L” direction. FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view showing the optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function in FIG. 1 which is viewed from the other side (from“−Z” direction) in the optical axis “L” direction. FIG. 4 is a plan viewshowing the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function in which afirst cover 51 is detached. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional viewshowing the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function in FIG. 1(partial cross-sectional view at the “A-A” position in FIG. 1). FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal frame 9, first thrustreceiving members 44 and second thrust receiving members 46.

As shown in FIG. 1, an optical unit 1 with a shake correction functionincludes an optical module 2 having an optical element such as a lens.The optical unit 1 with a shake correction function is, for example,used in an optical device such as a cell phone with a camera and a driverecorder or in an optical device such as an action camera mounted on amovement body such as a helmet, a bicycle, a radio-controlled helicopteror a wearable camera. In the optical device, when a shake is occurred inthe optical device at the time of photographing, disturbance isgenerated in a photographed image. In order to avoid a photographedimage being inclined, the optical unit 1 with a shake correctionfunction corrects an inclination of the optical module 2 based onacceleration, turning speed, shaking amount and the like detected by adetection means such as a gyroscope.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function includes a movable body 3 on which the opticalmodule 2 is mounted, a gimbal mechanism 4 structured to swingablysupport the movable body 3, a fixed body 5 which supports the movablebody 3 through the gimbal mechanism 4, a shake correction drivemechanism 6 structured to swing the movable body 3 with respect to thefixed body 5, a first flexible printed circuit board 7 which isconnected with the movable body 3, and a second flexible printed circuitboard 8 which is attached to the fixed body 5. The first flexibleprinted circuit board 7 includes a connector part which is provided atan end part on an opposite side to a side connected with the movablebody 3. Further, the second flexible printed circuit board 8 includes aterminal part which is provided at an end part on an opposite side to aside attached to the fixed body 5.

The optical unit 1 with a shake correction function performs a shakecorrection by swinging the movable body 3 around two axes (“X”-axis and“Y”-axis) which intersect the optical axis “L” (“Z”-axis) and intersecteach other. A shake correction around the “X”-axis and a shakecorrection around the “Y”-axis are performed and thereby a shakecorrection in a pitching (vertical swing) direction and a shakecorrection in a yawing (lateral swing) direction are performed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the movable body 3 is swingably supportedaround a first axis “R1” perpendicular to the optical axis “L”(“Z”-axis) and is swingably supported around a second axis “R2”perpendicular to the optical axis “L” and the first axis “R1” by thegimbal mechanism 4. The first axis “R1” and the second axis “R2” areinclined by 45 degrees with respect to the “X”-axis and the “Y”-axis.When turning around the first axis “R1” and turning around the secondaxis “R2” are combined, the movable body 3 can be swung around the“X”-axis and the “Y”-axis. Therefore, the movable body 3 is swingablysupported around the “X”-axis and around the “Y”-axis by the gimbalmechanism 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gimbal mechanism 4 includes first supportingpoint parts 41 provided at diagonal positions on the first axis “R1” ofthe movable body 3, second supporting point parts 42 provided atdiagonal positions on the second axis “R2” of the fixed body 5, and agimbal frame 9. The gimbal frame 9 is a plate spring made of metal andis provided with two first support parts 901 (first spherical bodysupport part) provided at diagonal positions on the first axis “R1” andtwo second support parts 902 (second spherical body support part)provided at diagonal positions on the second axis “R2”. The gimbalmechanism 4 is assembled so that the first support part 901 ispoint-contacted with the first supporting point part 41 and the secondsupport part 902 is point-contacted with the second supporting pointpart 42. As a result, the movable body 3 is swingably supported aroundthe first axis “R1” and swingably supported around the second axis “R2”through the gimbal frame 9.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the shake correction drive mechanism 6includes a first magnetic drive mechanism 6X structured to turn themovable body 3 around the “X”-axis and a second magnetic drive mechanism6Y structured to turn the movable body 3 around the “Y”-axis. In thisembodiment, the first magnetic drive mechanism 6X and the secondmagnetic drive mechanism 6Y are respectively disposed at one position.

The first magnetic drive mechanism 6X includes one set of a magnet 61Xand a coil 62X. Further, the second magnetic drive mechanism 6Y includesone set of a magnet 61Y and a coil 62Y. The magnet 61X and the coil 62Xof the first magnetic drive mechanism 6X face each other in the “Y”-axisdirection. The magnet 61Y and the coil 62Y of the second magnetic drivemechanism 6Y face each other in the “X”-axis direction. In thisembodiment, the magnets 61X and 61Y are disposed on the movable body 3and the coils 62X and 62Y are disposed on the fixed body 5. Thearrangement of the magnets 61X and 61Y and the coils 62X and 62Y may bereversed to this embodiment. In other words, it may be structured thatthe magnets 61X and 61Y are disposed on the fixed body 5 and the coils62X and 62Y are disposed on the movable body 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the movable body 3 is provided with a first face 301and a second face 302, which are located on opposite sides with theoptical axis “L” interposed therebetween in the “X”-axis direction, anda third face 303 and a fourth face 304 which are located on oppositesides with the optical axis “L” interposed therebetween in the “Y”-axisdirection. The shake correction drive mechanism 6 is disposed on twofaces, i.e., one of the first face 301 and the second face 302, and oneof the third face 303 and the fourth face 304. In this embodiment, thesecond magnetic drive mechanism 6Y is disposed on the first face 301facing the “+X” direction. Further, the first magnetic drive mechanism6X is disposed on the fourth face 304 facing the “−Y” direction. Thefaces on which the shake correction drive mechanism 6 is disposed arelimited to two faces and thus, a shape of the optical unit 1 with ashake correction function when viewed in the “Z”-axis direction (opticalaxis “L” direction) is reduced.

Further, the first flexible printed circuit board 7 connected with themovable body 3 is extended through a face of an outer peripheral face ofthe movable body 3 where the shake correction drive mechanism 6 is notdisposed. In this embodiment, the first flexible printed circuit board 7is extended through the third face 303 facing the “+Y” direction. Whenthe first flexible printed circuit board 7 is extended in a directionwhere the shake correction drive mechanism 6 is not disposed, the firstflexible printed circuit board 7 can be extended along a side face ofthe movable body 3 in the “Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction. In thisembodiment, as described below, a first folded portion 71 formed bybending the first flexible printed circuit board 7 to the “+Z” directionand then folding back to the reverse direction is disposed on a sideface in the “+Y” direction of the movable body 3.

(Movable Body)

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movable body 3 includes the opticalmodule 2 and a holder frame 30 (movable body frame) which holds theoptical module 2. The optical module 2 includes a housing 20 in arectangular shape when viewed in the optical axis “L” direction, acircuit board 25 disposed at an end part in the “−Z” direction of thehousing 20, a tube part 26 protruded to the “+Z” direction from thehousing 20, a lens group 2A (optical element) held by the tube part 26,and a lens drive mechanism 27 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) disposed in an insideof the housing 20.

The lens drive mechanism 27 performs focusing for an object to bephotographed by adjusting a lens position of the lens group 2A arrangedin the optical axis “L” direction. In this embodiment, the lens drivemechanism 27 includes a magnetic drive mechanism. In accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, the lens drive mechanism 27 mayinclude a drive source other than the magnetic drive mechanism. Forexample, the lens drive mechanism 27 may include a motor. The lens drivemechanism 27 is disposed on an opposite side to the first magnetic drivemechanism 6X or the second magnetic drive mechanism 6Y with the opticalaxis “L” interposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the lens drivemechanism 27 is disposed on an opposite side to the first magnetic drivemechanism 6X with the optical axis “L” interposed therebetween.

The holder frame 30 is a frame-shaped member surrounding an outerperipheral side of the optical module 2. The housing 20 is provided witha first side face 21 facing the “+X” direction, a second side face 22facing the “−X” direction, a third side face 23 facing the “+Y”direction, and a fourth side face 24 facing the “−Y” direction. Theholder frame 30 is provided with a first frame part 31 along the firstside face 21 of the housing 20, a second frame part 32 along the secondside face 22, a third frame part 33 along the third side face 23, and afourth frame part 34 along the fourth side face 24. The first frame part31, the second frame part 32 and the fourth frame part 34 are abuttedwith the housing 20. On the other hand, a space “S” is provided betweenthe third frame part 33 and the third side face 23 of the housing 20(see FIG. 5). Further, the third frame part 33 is provided with acut-out part 35 which is formed by cutting out an end part in the “−Z”direction of the third frame part 33 toward the “+Z” direction.

The first folded portion 71 formed by folding back the first flexibleprinted circuit board 7 once is disposed in the space “S” providedbetween the third frame part 33 and the third side face 23 of thehousing 20. The first folded portion 71 is extended in the “Z”-axisdirection along the side face 23 in the “+Y” direction of the housing20. The first flexible printed circuit board 7 is bent at asubstantially right angle at an end part in the “−Z” direction of thefirst folded portion 71 and is passed through the cut-out part 35provided in the third frame part 33 and is extended to the “+Y”direction side from the holder frame 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holder frame 30 includes the firstsupporting point parts 41 of the gimbal mechanism 4. In this embodiment,the first supporting point parts 41 are respectively provided at twopositions on an inner face of a corner part where the second frame part32 and the third frame part 33 are connected with each other, and on aninner face of a corner part where the first frame part 31 and the fourthframe part 34 are connected with each other.

The holder frame 30 is provided with protruded parts 36 which areprotruded from end faces in the “+Z” direction of the first frame part31, the second frame part 32, the third frame part 33 and the fourthframe part 34. The protruded parts 36 are respectively provided at oneposition at a center in the “Y”-axis direction of the first frame part31 and the second frame part 32, and at a center in the “X”-axisdirection of the third frame part 33 and the fourth frame part 34. Theprotruded parts 36 provided at four positions have the same protrudedheight to the “+Z” direction. The protruded parts 36 function as astopper which restricts a swing range around the first axis “R1” of themovable body 3. In other words, when the movable body 3 is swung aroundthe first axis “R1”, the protruded part 36 is abutted with the gimbalframe 9 to restrict a swing range of the movable body 3.

The holder frame 30 is provided with magnet disposing recessed parts 37on which the magnet 61X of the first magnetic drive mechanism 6X and themagnet 61Y of the second magnetic drive mechanism 6Y are disposed. Inthis embodiment, the magnet disposing recessed part 37 is formed in thefirst frame part 31 and the fourth frame part 34. The magnet disposingrecessed part 37 is recessed to an inner side in the radial direction.In this embodiment, the holder frame 30 is made of resin and thus, ayoke member 63 in a plate shape is disposed in the magnet disposingrecessed part 37. The yoke members 63 are fixed to inner faces of themagnet disposing recessed parts 37, and the magnets 61X and 61Y arefixed to outer side faces in the radial direction of the yoke member 63.Each of the magnets 61X and 61Y is magnetized so that magnets of anouter side face in the radial direction are different from each otherwith a magnetized polarizing line located at a substantially center inthe “Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction as a boundary.

(Fixed Body)

The fixed body 5 includes a case 50 (fixed body frame), a first cover 51and a second cover 52 which are fixed to the case 50, and a wiring cover53. In this embodiment, the case 50 is made of resin, and the firstcover 51, the second cover 52 and the wiring cover 53 are made ofnonmagnetic metal. The case 50 is provided with an outer frame part 50Asurrounding an outer peripheral side of the movable body 3, and a wiringaccommodation part 50B which is protruded from an end part on the “−Z”direction side of the outer frame part 50A to the “+Y” direction. Thefirst cover 51 is fixed to an end part in the “+Z” direction of theouter frame part 50A. The second cover 52 is fixed to an end part in the“−Z” direction of the outer frame part 50A and the wiring accommodationpart 50B. The wiring cover 53 is fixed to an end part in the “+Z”direction of the wiring accommodation part 50B.

Elastic engaging parts 58 are provided at outer circumferential edges ofthe first cover 51, the second cover 52 and the wiring cover 53.Further, claw parts 59 are provided on an outer peripheral face of thecase 50. The elastic engaging part 58 is a metal piece extending in the“Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction and is provided with an openingpart to which the claw part 59 is fitted. The claw part 59 is protrudedto an outer side in the radial direction from an inner face of therecessed part formed on an outer peripheral face of the case 50. Thefirst cover 51, the second cover 52 and the wiring cover 53 are fixed tothe case 50 by engaging the elastic engaging parts 58 with the clawparts 59.

The first cover 51 is provided with two elastic engaging parts 58extended in the “Z” direction at each of respective edges in the threedirections except the “+Y” direction. An outer peripheral face at an endpart in the “+Z” direction of the outer frame part 50A is provided withthe claw parts 59 at a position corresponding to each of the elasticengaging parts 58 provided in the first cover 51. The second cover 52 isprovided with two elastic engaging parts 58 extended in the “+Z”direction at each of respective edges in four directions. Outerperipheral faces of end parts in the “−Z” direction of the outer framepart 50A and the wiring accommodation part 50B are provided with theclaw parts 59 at a position corresponding to each of the elasticengaging parts 58 provided in the second cover 52. The wiring cover 53is provided with two elastic engaging parts 58 extended in the “−Z”direction at each of respective edges in the two directions, i.e., the“+X” direction and the “−X” direction. An outer peripheral face of anend part in the “+Z” direction of the wiring accommodation part 50B isprovided with the claw parts 59 at a position corresponding to each ofthe elastic engaging parts 58 provided in the wiring cover 53.

The first cover 51 faces an outer peripheral portion of the movable body3 which is disposed on an inner side of the outer frame part 50A in the“Z”-axis direction and thereby, protrusion of the movable body 3 to the“+Z” direction is restricted. The first cover 51 is provided with anopening part 510 formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In thisembodiment, a part of the gimbal frame 9 is protruded to the “+Z”direction through the opening part 510. Further, a part of the opticalmodule 2 is protruded to the “+Z” direction through a center hole 90provided at a center in the radial direction of the gimbal frame 9. Thefirst cover 51 is located at an end part in the “+Z” direction of thefixed body 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, parts of the optical module2 and the gimbal frame 9 are protruded on the “+Z” direction side withrespect to the end part in the “+Z” direction of the fixed body 5.

The outer frame part 50A is provided with a first frame part 501 and asecond frame part 502, which are extended parallel to the “Y”-axisdirection on the “+X” direction side and the “−X” direction side of themovable body 3, and a third frame part 503 and a fourth frame part 504which are extended parallel to the “X”-axis direction on the “+Y”direction side and the “−Y” direction side of the movable body 3. Thewiring accommodation part 50B is provided with a fifth frame part 505and a sixth frame part 506, which are extended parallel to the “+Y”direction from end parts in the “−Z” direction of the first frame part501 and the second frame part 502, and a seventh frame part 507 extendedin the “X”-axis direction which is connected with end parts in the “+Y”direction of the fifth frame part 505 and the sixth frame part 506.

The outer frame part 50A includes the second supporting point part 42 ofthe gimbal mechanism 4. In this embodiment, the second supporting pointparts 42 are provided at two positions respectively on an inner face ofa corner part where the first frame part 501 and the third frame part503 are connected with each other and on an inner face of a corner partwhere the second frame part 502 and the fourth frame part 504 areconnected with each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the second supportingpoint parts 42 of the fixed body 5 and the second support parts 902 ofthe gimbal frame 9 structure a second connection mechanism 48 structuredto turnably support the gimbal frame 9 around the second axis “R2” inthe gimbal mechanism 4.

The outer frame part 50A is provided with coil arrangement holes 54 towhich the coil 62X of the first magnetic drive mechanism 6X and the coil62Y of the second magnetic drive mechanism 6Y are fixed with an adhesiveor the like. In this embodiment, the coil arrangement holes 54 arepenetrated through the first frame part 501 and the fourth frame part504. Each of the coils 62X and 62Y is an air core coil in an ellipticalshape, and two long sides located on the “+Z” direction side and the“−Z” direction side are utilized as effective sides. The second flexibleprinted circuit board 8 is fixed to the first frame part 501 and thefourth frame part 504 of the outer frame part 50A from an outer side inthe radial direction. The second flexible printed circuit board 8 isprovided with a first circuit board portion 81, which is overlapped withthe coil arrangement hole 54 of the fourth frame part 504 from an outerside in the radial direction, and a second circuit board portion 82which is overlapped with the coil arrangement hole 54 of the first framepart 501 from an outer side in the radial direction.

Rectangular magnetic plates 64 are respectively disposed between thefirst circuit board portion 81 and the coil 62X and between the secondcircuit board portion 82 and the coil 62Y. The magnetic plate 64disposed between the first circuit board portion 81 and the coil 62Xfaces the magnet 61X to structure a magnetic spring for returning themovable body 3 to a turning reference position in a turning directionaround the “X”-axis. Further, the magnetic plate 64 disposed between thesecond circuit board portion 82 and the coil 62Y faces the magnet 61Y tostructure a magnetic spring for returning the movable body 3 to aturning reference position in a turning direction around the “Y”-axis.

The magnetic plates 64 are provided with rectangular through holes atpositions overlapping with center holes of the coils 62X and 62Y, and amagnetic sensor 65 is disposed in the through hole. The magnetic sensor65 is, for example, a Hall element. The optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function detects a swing angle around the “X”-axis of themovable body 3 based on an output of the magnetic sensor 65 disposed atthe center of the coil 62X. Further, the optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function detects a swing angle around the “Y”-axis of themovable body 3 based on an output of the magnetic sensor 65 disposed atthe center of the coil 62Y.

(Gimbal Frame)

As shown in FIG. 6, the gimbal frame 9 is provided with a first frameportion 91 (connection frame portion) in a substantially square shapewhen viewed in the “Z”-axis direction and second frame portions 92 whichare bent from four corner parts of the first frame portion 91 at asubstantially right angle and are extended to the “−Z” direction. Acenter of the first frame portion 91 is provided with a center hole 90penetrated through the first frame portion 91. As shown in FIG. 5, thefirst frame portion 91 is overlapped with the housing 20 of the opticalmodule 2 and the holder frame 30 when viewed in the “Z”-axis (opticalaxis “L”) direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the first frame portion 91 islocated on an inner peripheral side of the holder frame 30 except fourcorner parts connected with the second frame portions 92 when viewed inthe “Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a center portion 911 of the first frameportion 91 located at a center in the second axis “R2” direction isrecessed to the “−Z” direction, and corner portions 912 at both ends inthe second axis “R2” direction are located on the “+Z” direction sidewith respect to the center portion 911. In other words, the cornerportions 912 in the second axis “R2” direction of the first frameportion 91 are separated from the movable body 3 with respect to thecenter portion 911. Therefore, even when the movable body 3 is swungaround the first axis “R1” on the “−Z” direction side with respect tothe gimbal frame 9 and both ends in the second axis “R2” direction ofthe movable body 3 (in this embodiment, the corner parts in the secondaxis “R2” direction of the housing 20) are moved in the “Z”-axisdirection, a collision of the movable body 3 with the gimbal frame 9 canbe avoided.

Further, the center portion 911 is extended to the corner parts in thefirst axis “R1” direction of the first frame portion 91. The cornerparts in the first axis “R1” direction of the first frame portion 91 areportions of the gimbal frame 9 which are moved largest in the “Z”-axis(optical axis “L”) direction in a case that the movable body 3 is swungaround the second axis “R2” and the gimbal frame 9 is swung around thesecond axis “R2” with the second supporting point parts 42 as a turningcenter. As described above, in a case that the corner parts in the firstaxis “R1” direction of the first frame portion 91 are formed in the mostrecessed shape to the “−Z” direction, an operation space of the gimbalframe 9 when the movable body 3 is swung can be reduced in the “Z”-axis(optical axis “L”) direction. Therefore, a height of a space fordisposing the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function requiredin the “Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction can be reduced.

The second frame portions 92 comprise first support part extended parts93, which are provided at two corner parts on the first axis “R1” of thegimbal frame 9, and second support part extended parts 94 provided attwo corner parts on the second axis “R2” of the gimbal frame 9. Thefirst support part extended part 93 is extended to the “−Z” direction ina straight line shape from the corner part of the first frame portion91. The first support part extended part 93 is provided with the firstsupport part 901 having a first concave curved face 901 a at its tip endportion. The first concave curved face 901 a is formed by press workingand is recessed to an inner side in the radial direction. A curvatureradius of the first concave curved face 901 a is larger than a radius ofa first spherical body 444. Further, the first support part extendedpart 93 is provided with a pair of first cut-out recessed parts 93 a,which are recessed from both end edges in a circumferential directionaround the optical axis “L” in an orthogonal direction perpendicular tothe “Z”-axis direction and the first axis “R1” direction, on the “+Z”direction side of the first support part 901.

The second support part extended part 94 is provided with a firstportion 941 extended to the “−Z” direction from the corner portion ofthe first frame portion 91, a second portion 942 which is bent at asubstantially right angle from the first portion 941 and is extended toan outer side in the radial direction, and a third portion 943 which isbent at a substantially right angle from the second portion 942 and isextended to the “−Z” direction. The third portion 943 is provided withthe second support part 902 having a second concave curved face 902 a atits tip end portion. The second concave curved face 902 a is formed bypress working and is recessed to an inner side in the radial direction.A curvature radius of the second concave curved face 902 a is largerthan a radius of a second spherical body 464. Further, the secondsupport part extended part 94 is provided with a pair of second cut-outrecessed parts 94 a, which are recessed from both end edges in thecircumferential direction around the optical axis “L” in an orthogonaldirection perpendicular to the “Z”-axis direction and the second axis“R2” direction, on the “+Z” direction side of the second support part902. An end in the “+Z” direction of the first support part extendedpart 93 and an end in the “Z” direction of the second support partextended part 94 are connected with each other through the first frameportion 91.

In this embodiment, the first support part extended part 93 is disposedin a cut-out part 511 which is formed by cutting out a corner part inthe first axis “R1” direction of the opening part 510 of the first cover51 to an outer side in the radial direction. As a result, the firstsupport part extended part 93 is located between the optical module 2and the holder frame 30 on both sides in the first axis “R1” directionof the optical module 2. Further, the first supporting point part 41which is provided on the movable body 3 side and is a supporting pointpart of the gimbal mechanism 4 is disposed on the “−Z” direction sidewith respect to the cut-out part 511, and a tip end part of the firstsupport part extended part 93 is supported by the first supporting pointpart 41. In this manner, a first connection mechanism 47 is structured,and the movable body 3 and the gimbal frame 9 are turnably connectedwith each other around the first axis “R1”. Further, the second supportpart extended part 94 is disposed in a cut-out part 512 which is formedby cutting out a corner part in the second axis “R2” direction of theopening part 510 of the first cover 51 to an outer side in the radialdirection. As a result, the second support part extended part 94 islocated between the holder frame 30 and the case 50 on both sides in thesecond axis “R2” direction of the holder frame 30. The second supportingpoint part 42 which is provided on the fixed body 5 side and is asupporting point part of the gimbal mechanism 4 is disposed on the “−Z”direction side with respect to the cut-out part 512, and a tip end partof the second support part extended part 94 is supported by the secondsupporting point part 42. In this manner, the second connectionmechanism 48 is structured, and the fixed body 5 and the gimbal frame 9are turnably connected with each other around the second axis “R2”.

(Extended Shape of First Flexible Printed Circuit Board 7)

The first flexible printed circuit board 7 is folded back once on aninner side of the holder frame 30 to form the first folded portion 71and is extended through the cut-out part 35 of the holder frame 30 tothe “+Y” direction and then, the first flexible printed circuit board 7is folded back in an inside of the outer frame part 50A and is extendedto an inner side of the wiring accommodation part 50B through a cut-outpart 508 which is formed by cutting out an end part in the “−Z”direction of the third frame part 503 of the outer frame part 50A to the“+Z” direction. The first flexible printed circuit board 7 is providedwith a second folded portion 72 which is extended to the “+Y” directionon an inner side of the wiring accommodation part 50B and is folded backonce to the reverse direction, and a third folded portion 73 overlappedwith the second folded portion 72 on the “+Z” direction side.

The wiring cover 53 is provided with a cut-out part 531 which is formedby cutting out a substantially center of an edge in the “−Y” directionto the “+Y” direction. The third folded portion 73 of the first flexibleprinted circuit board 7 is extended to an outer side of the wiringaccommodation part 50B through the cut-out part 531 and is extended tothe “+Y” direction side along the wiring cover 53. The first flexibleprinted circuit board 7 includes a fixing part 74 which is fixed to thewiring cover 53. The fixing part 74 is fixed to an edge of the cut-outpart 531.

The first flexible printed circuit board 7 includes a flexible circuitboard 70 and reinforcing plates 75 which are fixed to the flexiblecircuit board 70. The reinforcing plate 75 is disposed at threepositions, i.e., the first folded portion 71, the second folded portion72 and the fixing part 74. In the first folded portion 71 and the secondfolded portion 72, the reinforcing plate 75 is disposed in a bentportion of the flexible circuit board 70 which is bent to a reversedirection. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 75 is sandwiched by theflexible circuit board 70 and functions as a spacer. The reinforcingplate 75 provided in the fixing part 74 is disposed between the wiringcover 53 and the flexible circuit board 70 and functions as a spacerbetween the wiring cover 53 and the flexible circuit board 70.

(Details of First Connection Mechanism 47 and Second ConnectionMechanism 48)

Next, The first connection mechanism 47 and the second connectionmechanism 48 will be described in detail below. FIG. 7 is a perspectiveview showing the holder frame 30 which is viewed from the “+Z” directionside. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the outer frame part 50A ofthe case 50 which is viewed from the “+Z” direction side. (a) of FIG. 9is a perspective view showing the first thrust receiving member 44 andthe second thrust receiving member 46 which is viewed from an innerperipheral side, and (b) of FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing thefirst thrust receiving member 44 and the second thrust receiving member46 which is viewed from an outer peripheral side. FIG. 10 is an explodedperspective view showing the first thrust receiving member 44 and thesecond thrust receiving member 46. The first thrust receiving member 44and the second thrust receiving member 46 are the same member and thus,in (a) and (b) of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the first thrust receiving member44 and the second thrust receiving member 46 are shown in a singledrawing. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the first connectionmechanism 47 which is cut along the first axis “R1”. FIG. 12 is anexplanatory view showing the first connection mechanism 47 and thesecond connection mechanism 48. FIG. 12 shows a state that the holderframe 30 and the case 50 are detached from the optical unit 1 with ashake correction function and which is viewed in the first axis “R1”direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first connection mechanism 47 includes the firstsupport part 901 of the gimbal frame 9 and the first supporting pointpart 41 provided in the movable body 3. The first supporting point part41 is, as shown in FIG. 7, provided with a recessed part 43 which isrecessed to an outer side in the radial direction on each of an innerface of the corner part where the second frame part 32 of the holderframe 30 and the third frame part 33 are connected with each other, andan inner face of the corner part where the first frame part 31 and thefourth frame part 34 are connected with each other. Further, the firstconnection mechanism 47 includes, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, thefirst thrust receiving member 44 which is disposed in each of therecessed parts 43, and the first spherical body 444 which is fixed to afirst spherical body fixing part 101 of each of the first thrustreceiving members 44. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the recessed parts 43of the holder frame 30 is defined by a bottom face 43 a extended in thefirst axis “R1” direction, a rear face 43 b extended to the “+Z”direction from an outer peripheral end of the bottom face 43 a, and apair of side faces 43 c which are extended to the “+Z” direction fromboth ends in the circumferential direction around the optical axis “L”of the bottom face 43 a. The bottom face 43 a is provided with a firstgroove 43 d extended in the first axis “R1” direction with a constantwidth in its center portion in the circumferential direction. The rearface 43 b is provided with a second groove 43 e extended in the “Z”-axisdirection with a constant width in its center portion in thecircumferential direction. The first groove 43 d and the second groove43 e are connected with each other.

The first thrust receiving member 44 and the first spherical body 444are made of metal. As shown in FIG. 6 and (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, thefirst thrust receiving member 44 is provided with a first plate part 441(first facing part) in a plate shape which is extended in the “Z”-axisdirection, a second plate part 442 (first bent part) which is bent at asubstantially right angle from an end part in the “−Z” direction of thefirst plate part 441 and is extended to an inner side in the radialdirection, a first fixing hole 443 which penetrates through the firstplate part 441 in the first axis “R1” direction, and a pair of thirdplate parts 445 (first insertion part) which are bent at a substantiallyright angle from both sides in a circumferential direction of an endpart in the “+Z” direction of the first plate part 441 and are extendedto an inner side in the radial direction. End parts on an innerperipheral side of a pair of the third plate parts 445 are respectivelybent in directions so as to be separated from each other in thecircumferential direction. The first fixing hole 443 is located betweenthe second plate part 442 and a pair of the third plate parts 445 in the“Z”-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 10, a diameter “D1” of the first fixing hole 443 issmaller than a diameter “D2” of the first spherical body 444. The firstspherical body 444 is fixed to the first plate part 441 by welding in astate that the first spherical body 444 is partly fitted to the firstfixing hole 443. An opening edge portion of the first fixing hole 443 ina face on an inner peripheral side of the first plate part 441 is thefirst spherical body fixing part 101 to which the first spherical body444 is fixed. As shown in (b) of FIG. 9, in a state that the firstspherical body 444 has been fixed to the first spherical body fixingpart 101, an end of the first spherical body 444 on an outer peripheralside in the first axis “R1” direction (end on an opposite side to thefirst support part 901) is located on an inner side of the first fixinghole 443. Therefore, the first spherical body 444 does not protrude toan outer peripheral side from the first plate part 441.

In this embodiment, the first fixing hole 443 is formed by punching workwhich is performed on the first thrust receiving member 44 from anopposite side (outer peripheral side) to a side where the firstspherical body 444 is fixed. As a result, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, anopening edge of the first fixing hole 443 of the first plate part 441 onan opposite side to a side where the first spherical body 444 is fixedis provided with sagging 443 a. In other words, an opening end portionof the first fixing hole 443 on an opposite side to a side where thefirst spherical body 444 is fixed is enlarged in diameter to an outerside toward an opening end. In this case, when punching work isperformed, an end face of the first fixing hole 443 of the first platepart 441 on a side where the first spherical body 444 is fixed is formedwith a burr. However, the burr is removed by crushing processing orpolishing processing.

The first spherical body 444 is fixed to the first plate part 441 bywelding. More specifically, the first spherical body 444 is placed onthe first fixing hole 443 of the first thrust receiving member 44 andset in a state that the first spherical body 444 is partly fitted to thefirst fixing hole 443. Next, an inside of the first fixing hole 443 isirradiated with a laser beam from an opposite side to a side where thefirst spherical body 444 is fixed to the first plate part 441. As aresult, welding is performed on a boundary portion between the firstspherical body 444 and an inner wall face of the first fixing hole 443of the first thrust receiving member 44. Therefore, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 9, a first welded mark 102 which fixes the first spherical body 444to the first thrust receiving member 44 is left and provided in theboundary portion between the first spherical body 444 and the inner wallface of the first fixing hole 443 of the first thrust receiving member44. In this embodiment, the first spherical body 444 and the firstthrust receiving member 44 are welded at two positions separated fromeach other. Therefore, the boundary portion between the first sphericalbody 444 and the inner wall face of the first fixing hole 443 of thefirst thrust receiving member 44 is left and provided with two firstwelded marks 102.

In this state, the first thrust receiving member 44 is inserted into therecessed part 43 in a state that the first thrust receiving member 44 isabutted with a pair of the side faces 43 c of the recessed part 43 ofthe holder frame 30. As a result, the first supporting point part 41 ispositioned in the circumferential direction around the optical axis “L”.Further, the second plate part 442 of the first thrust receiving member44 is abutted with the bottom face 43 a of the recessed part 43 andthereby, the first supporting point part 41 is positioned in the“Z”-axis (an optical axis “L”) direction. In addition, the first thrustreceiving member 44 is fixed to the holder frame 30 with an adhesivewhich is applied to the first groove 43 d and the second groove 43 e.When a state that the first thrust receiving member 44 is fixed to theholder frame 30 is viewed in the first axis “R1” direction, the firstfixing hole 443 is overlapped with the second groove 43 e.

When the gimbal frame 9 and the movable body 3 are to be connected witheach other, as shown in FIG. 4, the first support part extended parts 93of the gimbal frame 9 are inserted between the optical module 2 and theholder frame 30 on both sides in the first axis “R1” direction of theoptical module 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the first supportpart 901 provided in the first support part extended part 93 and thefirst plate part 441 of the first thrust receiving member 44 fixed tothe movable body 3 are faced each other. Next, the first spherical body444 fixed to the first plate part 441 is inserted into the first concavecurved face 901 a to bring the first spherical body 444 and the firstsupport part 901 into point contact with each other. In paralleltherewith, as shown in FIG. 12, a pair of the third plate parts 445 ofthe first thrust receiving member 44 is inserted into a pair of thefirst cut-out recessed parts 93 a of the first support part extendedpart 93. In this manner, the first connection mechanism 47 isstructured. In this case, when the first spherical body 444 and thefirst support part 901 are contacted with each other, the first supportpart extended part 93 is resiliently bent and the first support part 901is elastically contacted with the first spherical body 444. Therefore,the first spherical body 444 is hard to be disengaged from the firstsupport part 901. Further, in a state that the first connectionmechanism 47 is structured, the second plate part 442 of the firstthrust receiving member 44 and the first support part extended part 93are faced each other with a space therebetween in the “Z”-axisdirection.

The second connection mechanism 48 includes the second support part 902of the gimbal frame 9 and the second supporting point part 42 providedin the case 50. The second supporting point part 42 is, as shown in FIG.8, provided with a recessed part 45 which is recessed to an outer sidein the radial direction on each of an inner face of a corner part wherethe first frame part 501 of the case 50 and the third frame part 503 areconnected with each other, and an inner face of a corner part where thesecond frame part 502 and the fourth frame part 504 are connected witheach other. Further, the second connection mechanism 48 includes thesecond thrust receiving member 46 which is disposed in each of therecessed parts 45, and a second spherical body 464 which is fixed to asecond spherical body fixing part 104 of each of the second thrustreceiving members 46. Each of the recessed parts 45 of the case 50 isdefined by a bottom face 45 a extended in the second axis “R2”direction, a rear face 45 b extended to the “+Z” direction from an outerperipheral end of the bottom face 45 a, and a pair of side faces 45 cwhich are extended to the “+Z” direction from both ends in thecircumferential direction around the optical axis “L” of the bottom face45 a. The bottom face 45 a is provided with a first groove 45 d extendedin the second axis “R2” direction with a constant width in its centerportion in the circumferential direction. The rear face 45 b is providedwith a second groove 45 e extended in the “Z”-axis direction with aconstant width in its center portion in the circumferential direction.The first groove 45 d and the second groove 45 e are connected with eachother.

The second thrust receiving member 46 and the second spherical body 464are made of metal. In this embodiment, the second thrust receivingmember 46 is the same member as the first thrust receiving member 44,and the second spherical body 464 is the same member as the firstspherical body 444.

As shown in FIG. 6 and (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, the second thrustreceiving member 46 is provided with a first plate part 461 (secondfacing part) in a plate shape which is extended in the “Z”-axisdirection, a second plate part 462 (second bent part) which is bent at asubstantially right angle from an end part in the “−Z” direction of thefirst plate part 461 and is extended to an inner side in the radialdirection, a second fixing hole 463 which penetrates through the firstplate part 461 in the second axis “R2” direction, and a pair of thirdplate parts 465 (second insertion part) which are bent at asubstantially right angle from both sides in the circumferentialdirection of an end part in the “+Z” direction of the first plate part461 and are extended to an inner side in the radial direction. End partson an inner peripheral side of a pair of the third plate parts 465 arerespectively bent in directions so as to be separated from each other inthe circumferential direction. The second fixing hole 463 is locatedbetween the second plate part 462 and a pair of the third plate parts465 in the “Z”-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 10, a diameter “D1” of the second fixing hole 463 issmaller than a diameter “D2” of the second spherical body 464. Thesecond spherical body 464 is fixed to the first plate part 461 bywelding in a state that the second spherical body 464 is partly fittedto the second fixing hole 463. An opening edge portion of the secondfixing hole 463 in a face on an inner peripheral side of the first platepart 461 is the second spherical body fixing part 104 to which thesecond spherical body 464 is fixed. In a state that the second sphericalbody 464 has been fixed to the second spherical body fixing part 104, asshown in (b) of FIG. 9, an end of the second spherical body 464 on anouter peripheral side in the second axis “R2” direction (end on anopposite side to the second support part 902) is located on an innerside of the second fixing hole 463. Therefore, the second spherical body464 does not protrude to an outer peripheral side from the first platepart 461. An opening edge of the second fixing hole 463 of the firstplate part 461 on an opposite side to a side where the second sphericalbody 464 is fixed is provided with sagging 463 a. In other words, anopening end portion of the second fixing hole 463 on an opposite side toa side where the second spherical body 464 is fixed is increased indiameter to an outer side toward an opening end.

The second spherical body 464 is fixed to the first plate part 461 bywelding. More specifically, the second spherical body 464 is placed onthe second fixing hole 463 of the second thrust receiving member 46 andset in a state that the second spherical body 464 is partly fitted tothe second fixing hole 463. Next, an inside of the second fixing hole463 is irradiated with a laser beam from an opposite side to a sidewhere the second spherical body 464 is fixed to the first plate part461. As a result, welding is performed on a boundary portion between thesecond spherical body 464 and an inner wall face of the second fixinghole 463 of the second thrust receiving member 46. Therefore, a secondwelded mark 105 which fixes the second spherical body 464 to the secondthrust receiving member 46 is left and provided in the boundary portionbetween the second spherical body 464 and the inner wall face of thesecond fixing hole 463 of the second thrust receiving member 46. In thisembodiment, the second spherical body 464 and the second thrustreceiving member 46 are welded at two positions separated from eachother. Therefore, the boundary portion between the second spherical body464 and the inner wall face of the second fixing hole 463 of the secondthrust receiving member 46 is left and provided with two second weldedmarks 105.

In this state, the second thrust receiving member 46 is inserted intothe recessed part 45 in a state that the second thrust receiving member46 is abutted with a pair of the side faces 45 c of the recessed part 45of the case 50. As a result, the second supporting point part 42 ispositioned in the circumferential direction around the optical axis “L”.Further, the second plate part 462 of the second thrust receiving member46 is abutted with the bottom face 45 a of the recessed part 45 andthereby, the second supporting point part 42 is positioned in the“Z”-axis direction. In addition, the second thrust receiving member 46is fixed to the case 50 with an adhesive which is applied to the firstgroove 45 d and the second groove 45 e. When a state that the secondthrust receiving member 46 has been fixed to the case 50 is viewed inthe second axis “R2” direction, the second fixing hole 463 is overlappedwith the second groove 45 e.

When the gimbal frame 9 and the fixed body 5 are to be connected witheach other, as shown in FIG. 4, the second support part extended parts94 of the gimbal frame 9 are inserted between the holder frame 30 andthe case 50 on both sides in the second axis “R2” direction of themovable body 3 (holder frame 30). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, thesecond support part 902 provided in the second support part extendedpart 94 and the first plate part 461 of the second thrust receivingmember 46 fixed to the fixed body 5 are faced each other. Next, thesecond spherical body 464 fixed to the first plate part 461 is insertedinto the second concave curved face 902 a to bring the second sphericalbody 464 and the second support part 902 into point contact with eachother. In parallel therewith, a pair of the third plate parts 465 of thesecond thrust receiving member 46 is inserted into a pair of the secondcut-out recessed parts 94 a of the second support part extended part 94.In this manner, the second connection mechanism 48 is structured. Inthis case, when the second spherical body 464 and the second supportpart 902 are contacted with each other, the second support part extendedpart 94 is resiliently bent and the second support part 902 iselastically contacted with the second spherical body 464. Therefore, thesecond spherical body 464 is hard to be disengaged from the secondsupport part 902. Further, in a state that the second connectionmechanism 48 is structured, the second plate part 462 of the secondthrust receiving member 46 and the second support part extended part 94are faced each other with a space interposed therebetween in the“Z”-axis direction.

(Operations and Effects)

In the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function in thisembodiment, the gimbal mechanism 4 includes the first connectionmechanism 47 structured to turnably connect the movable body 3 with thegimbal frame 9 around the first axis “R1”. The first connectionmechanism 47 includes the first spherical body 444, the first sphericalbody fixing part 101 of the movable body 3 where the first sphericalbody 444 is fixed, and the first support part 901 of the gimbal frame 9having the first concave curved face 901 a which faces the firstspherical body fixing part 101 and contacts with the first sphericalbody 444. Further, the first spherical body fixing part 101 is providedwith the first fixing hole 443 to which the first spherical body 444 ispartly fitted. Therefore, when the first spherical body 444 is placed onthe first fixing hole 443 provided in the first spherical body fixingpart 101, the first spherical body 444 can be positioned in the firstspherical body fixing part 101. Accordingly, when the gimbal frame 9 andthe movable body 3 are to be turnably connected with each other by usingthe first spherical body 444, the first spherical body 444 can bepositioned and fixed with a high degree of accuracy.

Further, the gimbal mechanism 4 includes the second connection mechanism48 structured to turnably connect the fixed body 5 with the gimbal frame9 around the second axis “R2”. The second connection mechanism 48includes the second spherical body 464, the second spherical body fixingpart 104 of the fixed body 5 where the second spherical body 464 isfixed, and the second support part 902 of the gimbal frame 9 having thesecond concave curved face 902 a which faces the first spherical bodyfixing part 101 and contacts with the second spherical body 464. Thesecond spherical body fixing part 104 is provided with the second fixinghole 463 to which the second spherical body 464 is partly fitted.Therefore, when the second spherical body 464 is placed on the secondfixing hole 463 provided in the second spherical body fixing part 104,the second spherical body 464 can be positioned in the second sphericalbody fixing part 104. Accordingly, when the gimbal frame 9 and the fixedbody 5 are to be turnably connected with each other by using the secondspherical body 464, the second spherical body 464 can be positioned andfixed with a high degree of accuracy.

In addition, in the movable body 3 in this embodiment, the first fixinghole 443 is provided in the first thrust receiving member 44 which isseparately provided from the holder frame 30 and thus, the first fixinghole 443 is easily formed. Further, the first spherical body 444 isfixed to the first fixing hole 443 which is provided in the first thrustreceiving member 44 separately provided from the holder frame 30 andthus, the first spherical body 444 is easily fixed to the movable body3. In addition, in the fixed body 5 in this embodiment, the secondfixing hole 463 is provided in the second thrust receiving member 46which is separately provided from the case 50 and thus, the secondfixing hole 463 is easily formed. Further, the second spherical body 464is fixed to the second fixing hole 433 which is provided in the secondthrust receiving member 46 separately provided from the case 50 andthus, the second spherical body 464 is easily fixed to the fixed body 5.

Further, in this embodiment, the first spherical body 444 and the firstthrust receiving member 44 are made of metal, and a first welded mark102 which fixes the first spherical body 444 to the first thrustreceiving member 44 is left and provided in a boundary portion betweenthe first spherical body 444 and the inner wall face of the first fixinghole 443 of the first thrust receiving member 44. Therefore, the firstspherical body 444 and the first thrust receiving member 44 are fixed toeach other by welding. Accordingly, in comparison with a case that thefirst spherical body 444 and the first thrust receiving member 44 arefixed to each other with an adhesive, the first spherical body 444 andthe first thrust receiving member 44 are fixed to each other surely.Further, an adhesive does not stick to the first spherical body 444 andthe first thrust receiving member 44 and thus, relative turning of thegimbal frame 9 to the movable body 3 is not obstructed by the adhesive.Similarly, the second spherical body 464 and the second thrust receivingmember 46 are made of metal, and a second welded mark 105 which fixesthe second spherical body 464 to the second thrust receiving member 46is left and provided in a boundary portion between the second sphericalbody 464 and the inner wall face of the second fixing hole 463 of thesecond thrust receiving member 46. Therefore, the second spherical body464 and the second thrust receiving member 46 are fixed to each other bywelding. Accordingly, in comparison with a case that the secondspherical body 464 and the second thrust receiving member 46 are fixedto each other with an adhesive, the second spherical body 464 and thesecond thrust receiving member 46 are surely fixed to each other.Further, an adhesive does not stick to the second spherical body 464 andthe second thrust receiving member 46 and thus, relative turning of thegimbal frame 9 to the fixed body 5 is not obstructed by the adhesive.

Further, in this embodiment, the first spherical body 444 and the firstthrust receiving member 44 can be welded by irradiating an inside of thefirst fixing hole 443 with a laser beam. Therefore, the first sphericalbody 444 is easily fixed to the first thrust receiving member 44.Similarly, the second spherical body 464 and the second thrust receivingmember 46 can be welded by irradiating an inside of the second fixinghole 463 with a laser beam. Therefore, the second spherical body 464 iseasily fixed to the second thrust receiving member 46.

In addition, the first thrust receiving member 44 is provided withsagging 443 a at an opening edge of the first fixing hole 443 on anopposite side to a side where the first spherical body 444 is fixed. Inother words, the first fixing hole 443 can be formed by punching thefirst thrust receiving member 44. In this case, when the sagging 443 ais formed, the opening edge of the first fixing hole 443 on an oppositeside to a side where the first spherical body 444 is fixed is formed soas to be enlarged in diameter to an outer side toward the opening end.As a result, the inside of the first fixing hole 443 is easilyirradiated with a laser beam and thus, the first spherical body 444 andthe first thrust receiving member 44 are welded easily. Further, thesecond thrust receiving member 46 is provided with sagging 463 a at anopening edge of the second fixing hole 463 on an opposite side to a sidewhere the second spherical body 464 is fixed. In other words, the secondfixing hole 463 can be formed by punching the second thrust receivingmember 44. In this case, when the sagging 463 a is formed, the openingedge of the second fixing hole 463 on an opposite side to a side wherethe second spherical body 464 is fixed is formed so as to be enlarged indiameter to an outer side toward the opening end. As a result, theinside of the second fixing hole 463 is easily irradiated with a laserbeam and thus, the second spherical body 464 and the second thrustreceiving member 46 are welded easily.

Further, in this embodiment, an end of the first spherical body 444 onan opposite side to the first support part 901 in the first axis “R1”direction is located on an inner side of the first fixing hole 443. As aresult, the first spherical body 444 does not protrude from an end faceof the first thrust receiving member 44 on an opposite side to the firstsupport part 901. Therefore, when the first thrust receiving member 44is to be fixed to the holder frame 30, the first spherical body 444 isprevented from contacting with the holder frame 30 and prevented frombeing disengaged. Similarly, an end of the second spherical body 464 onan opposite side to the second support part 902 in the second axis “R2”direction is located on an inner side of the second fixing hole 463.Therefore, the second spherical body 464 does not protrude from an endface of the second thrust receiving member 46 on an opposite side to thesecond support part 902. Accordingly, when the second thrust receivingmember 46 is to be fixed to the case 50, the second spherical body 464is prevented from contacting with the case 50 and prevented from beingdisengaged.

In addition, the gimbal frame 9 is provided with a pair of the firstsupport part extended parts 93 which are extended in the optical axis“L” direction between the optical module 2 and the holder frame 30 onboth sides in the first axis “R1” direction of the optical module 2, apair of the second support part extended parts 94 which are extended inthe “Z”-axis direction between the holder frame 30 and the case 50 onboth sides in the second axis “R2” direction of the holder frame 30, andthe first frame portion 91 which connects ends on one side in the“Z”-axis direction of the first support part extended parts 93 with endson the one side in the “Z”-axis direction of the second support partextended parts 94. The first connection mechanism 47 includes the firstsupport part 901 which is provided in each of a pair of the firstsupport part extended parts 93, the first spherical body fixing part 101which is provided in the holder frame 30 at a position facing each ofthe first support part extended parts 93 in the first axis “R1”direction, and the first spherical body 444 which is fixed to each ofthe first spherical body fixing parts 101. The second connectionmechanism 48 includes the second support part 902 which is provided ineach of a pair of the second support part extended parts 94, the secondspherical body fixing part 104 which is provided in the case 50 at aposition facing each of the second support part extended parts 94 in thesecond axis “R2” direction, and the second spherical body 464 which isfixed to each of the second spherical body fixing parts 104. Therefore,the movable body 3 can be turnably supported around the first axis “R1”and around the second axis “R2”.

Further, the first thrust receiving member 44 is provided with the firstplate part 441 having the first fixing hole 443 and the second platepart 442 which is bent from an end in the “−Z” direction of the firstplate part 441 toward a side of the first support part 901 in the firstaxis “R1” direction. The second plate part 442 faces the first supportpart extended part 93 of the gimbal frame 9 in the “Z”-axis directionwith a space interposed therebetween. Further, the second thrustreceiving member 46 is provided with the first plate part 461 having thesecond fixing hole 463 and the second plate part 462 which is bent froman end in the “−Z” direction of the first plate part 461 toward a sideof the second support part 902 in the second axis “R2” direction. Thesecond plate part 462 faces the second support part extended part 94 ofthe gimbal frame 9 in the “Z”-axis direction with a space interposedtherebetween. Therefore, in a case that the first spherical body 444 isdisengaged from the first support part 901 of the gimbal frame 9 and thegimbal frame 9 is moved to the “−Z” direction, the second plate part 442is abutted with the first support part extended part 93 and thus, thegimbal frame 9 can be prevented from further moving to the “−Z”direction. Further, in a case that the second spherical body 464 isdisengaged from the second support part 902 of the gimbal frame 9 andthe gimbal frame 9 is moved to the “−Z” direction, the second plate part462 is abutted with the second support part extended part 94 and thus,the gimbal frame 9 can be prevented from further moving to the “−Z”direction.

Further, the first support part extended part 93 is provided with thefirst cut-out recessed parts 93 a, which are recessed in an orthogonaldirection perpendicular to the “Z”-axis direction and the first axis“R1” direction, on the “+Z” direction side with respect to the firstsupport part 901. The first thrust receiving member 44 is provided withthe third plate parts 445 which are bent from ends in the orthogonaldirection of the first plate part 441 to a side of the first supportpart 901 in the first axis “R1” direction and are inserted into thefirst cut-out recessed parts 93 a. Therefore, in a case that the firstspherical body 444 is disengaged from the first support part 901 of thegimbal frame 9 and the gimbal frame 9 is moved in the “Z”-axisdirection, the third plate part 445 is abutted with an opening edge ofthe first cut-out recessed part 93 a in the first support part extendedpart 93 and thus, the gimbal frame 9 is prevented from further moving inthe “Z”-axis direction. Similarly, the second support part extended part94 is provided with the second cut-out recessed parts 94 a, which arerecessed in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the “Z”-axisdirection and the second axis “R2” direction, on the “+Z” direction sidewith respect to the second support part 902. The second thrust receivingmember 46 is provided with the third plate parts 465 which are bent fromends in the orthogonal direction of the first plate part 461 to a sideof the second support part 902 in the second axis “R2” direction and areinserted into the second cut-out recessed parts 94 a. Therefore, in acase that the second spherical body 464 is disengaged from the secondsupport part 902 of the gimbal frame 9 and the gimbal frame 9 is movedin the “Z”-axis direction, the third plate part 465 is abutted with anopening edge of the second cut-out recessed part 94 a in the secondsupport part extended part 94 and thus, the gimbal frame 9 is preventedfrom further moving in the “Z”-axis direction.

Further, the first thrust receiving member 44 is provided with thesecond plate part 442 and a pair of the third plate parts 445 which areprotruded to a side of the first spherical body 444 on both sides in the“Z” direction of the first spherical body fixing part 101 and thus, in acase that a component in a state that the first spherical body 444 hasbeen fixed to the first thrust receiving member 44 is moved or the like,the first spherical body 444 can be prevented from contacting with anexternal member and from being dropped. Similarly, when the secondthrust receiving member 46 is provided with the second plate part 462and a pair of the third plate parts 465 which are protruded to a side ofthe second spherical body 464 on both sides in the “Z” direction of thesecond spherical body fixing part 104, in a case that a component in astate that the second spherical body 464 has been fixed to the secondthrust receiving member 46 is moved or the like, the second sphericalbody 464 can be prevented from contacting with an external member andfrom being dropped.

Other Embodiments

The first spherical body 444 and the second spherical body 464 may beprovided in the gimbal frame 9. In this case, the gimbal frame 9 isprovided with the first spherical body fixing parts 101 and the secondspherical body fixing parts 104, and the movable body 3 is provided withthe first support parts 901, and the fixed body 5 is provided with thesecond support parts 902. For example, the first support part 901 isprovided in the first thrust receiving member 44 of the movable body 3,and the second support part 902 is provided in the second thrustreceiving member 46 of the fixed body.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of thedisclosure being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical unit with a shake correction functioncomprising: a movable body comprising an optical module; a gimbalmechanism structured to swingably support the movable body around afirst axis intersecting an optical axis and swingably support themovable body around a second axis intersecting the optical axis and thefirst axis; a fixed body which supports the movable body through thegimbal mechanism; and a magnetic drive mechanism structured to swing themovable body around the first axis and around the second axis; whereinthe gimbal mechanism comprises: a gimbal frame; a first connectionmechanism structured to turnably connect the movable body with thegimbal frame around the first axis; and a second connection mechanismstructured to turnably connect the fixed body with the gimbal framearound the second axis; wherein the first connection mechanismcomprises: a first spherical body; a first spherical body fixing part towhich the first spherical body is fixed in one of the movable body andthe gimbal frame; and a first spherical body support part comprising afirst concave curved face which faces the first spherical body fixingpart and contacts with the first spherical body in an other of themovable body and the gimbal frame; and wherein the first spherical bodyfixing part comprises a first fixing hole to which the first sphericalbody is partly fitted.
 2. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 1, wherein the second connection mechanismcomprises: a second spherical body; a second spherical body fixing partto which the second spherical body is fixed in one of the fixed body andthe gimbal frame; and a second spherical body support part comprising asecond concave curved face which faces the second spherical body fixingpart and contacts with the second spherical body in an other of thefixed body and the gimbal frame; and the second spherical body fixingpart comprises a second fixing hole to which the second spherical bodyis partly fitted.
 3. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 2, wherein the movable body comprises: a movable bodyframe which surrounds the optical module from an outer peripheral side;and a first thrust receiving member which is fixed to the movable bodyframe at a position overlapped with the first axis, the first thrustreceiving member comprises the first spherical body fixing part, thegimbal frame comprises the first spherical body support part, the fixedbody comprises: a fixed body frame which surrounds the movable bodyframe from an outer peripheral side; and a second thrust receivingmember which is fixed to the fixed body frame at a position overlappedwith the second axis, the second thrust receiving member comprises thesecond spherical body fixing part, and the gimbal frame comprises thesecond spherical body support part.
 4. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 3, wherein the first sphericalbody, the first thrust receiving member, the second spherical body andthe second thrust receiving member are made of metal, the first fixinghole is penetrated through the first thrust receiving member in adirection of the first axis, the second fixing hole is penetratedthrough the second thrust receiving member in a direction of the secondaxis, a boundary portion between the first spherical body and an innerwall face of the first fixing hole of the first thrust receiving membercomprises a first welded mark which fixes the first spherical body tothe first thrust receiving member, and a boundary portion between thesecond spherical body and an inner wall face of the second fixing holeof the second thrust receiving member comprises a second welded markwhich fixes the second spherical body to the second thrust receivingmember.
 5. The optical unit with a shake correction function accordingto claim 4, wherein the first thrust receiving member comprises saggingat an opening edge of the first fixing hole on an opposite side to aside where the first spherical body is fixed, and the second thrustreceiving member comprises sagging at an opening edge of the secondfixing hole on an opposite side to a side where the second sphericalbody is fixed.
 6. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 3, wherein an end of the first spherical body on anopposite side to the first spherical body support part in a direction ofthe first axis is located on an inner side of the first fixing hole, andan end of the second spherical body on an opposite side to the secondspherical body support part in a direction of the second axis is locatedon an inner side of the second fixing hole.
 7. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 3, wherein the gimbal framecomprises: a pair of first support part extended parts which areextended in a direction of the optical axis between the optical moduleand the movable body frame on both sides in a direction of the firstaxis of the optical module; a pair of second support part extended partswhich are extended in the direction of the optical axis between themovable body frame and the fixed body frame on both sides in a directionof the second axis of the movable body frame; and a connection framepart which connects ends on one side in the direction of the opticalaxis of the first support part extended parts with ends on the one sidein the direction of the optical axis of the second support part extendedparts, the first connection mechanism comprises: the first sphericalbody support part which is provided in each of the pair of the firstsupport part extended parts; the first spherical body fixing part whichis provided in the movable body frame at a position facing each of thefirst support part extended parts in the direction of the first axis;and the first spherical body which is fixed to each of the firstspherical body fixing parts, and the second connection mechanismcomprises: the second spherical body support part which is provided ineach of the pair of the second support part extended parts; the secondspherical body fixing part which is provided in the fixed body frame ata position facing each of the second support part extended parts in thedirection of the second axis; and the second spherical body which isfixed to each of the second spherical body fixing parts.
 8. The opticalunit with a shake correction function according to claim 7, wherein thefirst thrust receiving member comprises: a first facing part which facesthe first spherical body support part and comprises the first fixinghole; and a first bent part which is bent from an end of the firstfacing part on an other side in the direction of the optical axis towarda side of the first spherical body support part in the direction of thefirst axis, the first bent part faces the first support part extendedpart in the direction of the optical axis with a space interposedtherebetween, the second thrust receiving member comprises: a secondfacing part which faces the second spherical body support part andcomprises the second fixing hole; and a second bent part which is bentfrom an end of the second facing part on the other side in the directionof the optical axis toward a side of the second spherical body supportpart in the direction of the second axis, and the second bent part facesthe second support part extended part in the direction of the opticalaxis with a space interposed therebetween.
 9. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 8, wherein the firstsupport part extended part comprises a first cut-out recessed part whichis recessed in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the direction ofthe optical axis and the direction of the first axis on the one side inthe direction of the optical axis of the first spherical body supportpart, the first thrust receiving member comprises a first insertion partwhich is bent from an end in the orthogonal direction of the firstfacing part toward a side of the first spherical body support part inthe direction of the first axis and is inserted into the first cut-outrecessed part, the second support part extended part comprises a secondcut-out recessed part which is recessed in the orthogonal direction onthe one side in the direction of the optical axis of the secondspherical body support part, and the second thrust receiving membercomprises a second insertion part which is bent from an end in theorthogonal direction of the second facing part toward a side of thesecond spherical body support part in the direction of the second axisand is inserted into the second cut-out recessed part.
 10. The opticalunit with a shake correction function according to claim 2, wherein thegimbal frame comprises the first spherical body fixing part and thesecond spherical body fixing part, the movable body comprises the firstspherical body support part, and the fixed body comprises the secondspherical body support part.